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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

College football Week 1 Saturday best bets

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If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We are diving into our favorite picks against the spread for this Saturday, but if you are looking for more information or to place a bet check out Tipico Sportsbook.

We had a great bounce-back night going 3-1 on Friday and combine that with our previous season total, we are 6-6. We need more wins soon, but I love this slate of games today. To recap last night, TCU, Michigan State, and Duke made us money, and Virginia Tech was horrible. Today I feel great and love these double-digit favorites below:

Bowling Green at UCLA (-23.5)

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

You are in luck, when I locked this bet in it was still at 24.5 and it has gone down through the key number of 24 to 23.5. UCLA head coach, Chip Kelly, has this team on the right track as they had their first winning season in 2021 at 8-4. Meanwhile, Bowling Green head coach Scott Loeffler and his squad went 4-8 last season and he sits at 7-22 in his coaching career. Kelly is not known for taking his foot off the gas, so give me the Bruins.

UTEP at Oklahoma (-30.5)

Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

Another bet where I got the worst number. I locked this baby in earlier this week at 31.5. As you have probably figured out, I love first-year head coaches in openers, because they want to show off and Oklahoma’s Brent Venables is taking over a stacked Sooners squad who went 11-2 last season. This is roughly the same squad that beat Oregon in the Alamo Bowl last season, I like my chances that the Sooners pour it on.

Utah State at Alabama (-41.5)

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This is an example of learning from our mistakes. I laid cash on Utah State last week and despite being handed five turnovers, they struggled with New Mexico State. It is pretty clear and obvious that Utah State is very very bad and Alabama will be focused on a national championship. The Tide will be looking to get the stench off from the last game, which was a loss to Georgia in the CFP championship game last year. Qaurterback Bryce Young will be out for blood as season long and this is the start. Despite the giant spread, Alabama should be fine.

Memphis at Mississippi State (-16.5)

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

I locked in this bet earlier in the week at 14.5, but 16.5 is still playable. Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield has not been able to replicate the success his predecessor had in Mike Norvell, and this program has been on a decline since and went 6-6 last season. The Tigers did win this matchup last year, 31-29, but the tides are changing and I’m laying the points.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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